Vector control and fever surveillance for Horizon Adult Remand Centre

General fogging and vector control activities will take place at the Horizon Adult Remand Centre this evening following three suspected cases of malaria discovered at the institution. The Horizon Adult Remand Centre is located in the affected area.

The Kingston & St. Andrew Public Health Department will also be carrying out fever surveillance and testing. Similar activities will be extended to other correctional facilities as a precautionary measure.

“We are continuing with our strategy of early case detection and diagnosis, prompt treatment and vector control in all of the affected areas. All persons who show symptoms of the disease, including those in the prison population in the affected areas, will be treated presumptively,” Dr. Marion Bullock-DuCasse, Director of Emergency Disaster Management Branch in the Ministry of Health said.

So far, the outbreak of malaria has been confined to the Kingston 11, 12, 13 and 14 areas. She reminded all persons in and around the affected areas to continue to take the necessary precaution to protect themselves from mosquito bites by wearing appropriate clothing and using insect repellant containing DEET.

Meanwhile, as the Ministry concludes the testing of all samples taken during the incubation period, the number of cases confirmed with malaria now stands at 163. Of the 334 smears that were sent to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 330 results have been received with 18 testing positive.